You have most likely been taught not to stereotype people based on race, religion or sex. But when you make a career or company choice, do you still make decisions based on stereotypes?

“Insurance coverage product sales reps should be gregarious.”

Hal, a effective insurance agent for many years, has created a portfolio of loyal, pleased clients. Hal can be described as an introvert. He seldom speaks unless of course spoken to, and then he speaks briefly and softly. His clients have learned that he is a caring, devoted agent who never misses a detail.

“Accountants sit quietly and crunch numbers.”

These days, accountants, particularly those in the big companies, have to turn out to be experts at client relations. Often they are anticipated to steer company in the direction of the firm’s consulting division.

“Want to travel? Be a travel agent!”

As soon as on a time, when no e worried about security and airlines gave us much more than an inch of legroom, I loved to travel. When I sought methods to mix my adore of travel with a career, I would frequently listen to, “So turn out to be a travel agent.”

Surprise! Travel agents seldom travel. After all, somebody has to stay in the workplace and solution calls from clients. A main perk involves the “fam” or familiarization trips, when agents are invited as a group to preview a new resort or discover a new locale. There is seldom time for leisurely sight-viewing.

These days, a corporate travel agent is much more like a visitors cop than a pleasant guide, charged with enforcing regulations of the business who pays her commission: “The non-quit flight is two hundred bucks much more than the connecting flight with the two-hour stopover. Appears like you’ve got two hrs in Cleveland.”

After dealing with hundreds of less-than-thrilled employees, one agent told me he was quitting the business, most likely for the much more serene life of a bill collector.

“Big cities are unfriendly.”

Any place will feel hostile to newcomers. I’ve lived in several of the largest cities in North America and found helpful, caring people everywhere. Often businesses are much more helpful simply because there is much more competition.

“The desert is all sand and cactus.”

In the high desert of New Mexico, exactly where I live, we have green trees, flowering plants, and snow in the wintertime. We have abundant fruit trees and sometimes we have to rake leaves in drop.

“Small towns are conservative, you have to join a church and nation club, and you should be married.”

Most likely some are. My town has less than 20 thousand people, yet I know lots of extremely pleased citizens who forego churches and nation clubs in favor of espresso shops and artwork galleries. We have many single people and a sizeable gay population. Generalizations? Nicely, almost everyone has a canine or cat and you’ll discover numerous multi-pet households.

How can you avoid stereotypes?

Traditional career exams frequently are based on outdated or stereotyped visions of careers. Stereotypes of places tend to be perpetuated by folks who have never visited, allow on your own lived there.

I inspire anybody contemplating a life change to follow the Rule of Six. Speak to at minimum six people who have actual, hands-on expertise on the route you want to follow. If they clam up and say they are too busy to speak, you’ve learned a fantastic offer already.

Most people will begin with a pleased, celebration-line spiel. Dig deeper till you begin uncovering negatives and warnings.

On the rare events you listen to a lot of negatives, maintain heading until you discover a positive.

Harry nearly gave up on his objective when four people talked about issues getting clients for a distinctive consulting company. After we talked, he realized they had all utilized the same time of marketing — and they weren’t extremely good at it. He broadened his lookup to acquire a new point of view.

The Bottom Line

I’m always amazed at how many “experts” base suggestions on stereotyped variations of careers and places to live. That’s why you might be suggested to turn out to be a funeral director or a florist when you really belong in outdoors product sales.

There is no substitute for gathering your own info from people who have been there and back again. If something sounds too good — or too poor — to be accurate, it most likely is.

About The Author

Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D., is an writer, speaker and career/company advisor, assisting midlife professionals consider their First stage to a Second Career. http://www.cathygoodwin.com.

“10 secrets of mastering a main life change” mailto:subscribe@cathygoodwin.com

Contact: cathy@cathygoodwin.com 505-534-4294